Stihl 023 matures and produces an offspring

A while back I had an issue with the chain grabbing with an intermittent screech at the same time. Our resident expert on chainsaws MasterMech agreed the clutch bearing lacked lube or was worn. First I lubed the bearing and while improved still got an occasion screech. Decided to replace this bearing after finding at a local Stihl dealer and replaced it. Still heard this screech so MM offered to send the saw to him so he could go through it.. All the other mods urged me to do this and that I wouldn't be sorry. I hate imposing on people but MM assured he enjoyed working on saws and my saw needed work so it was mutually beneficial so I packed my old friend in a box and sent to MM via UPS.

I created an an earlier thread titled " Breathing life into a trusty old friend" to show progress as MM performed a laying of the hands on my old girl.. MM had ideas in mind and essentially I ended up with an 025 with an 023 nameplate on it. After a week or 2 MM was ready to send her back to me and I offered to pay return shipping and whatever else was appropriate but MM wouldn't hear of it! Let me just say MM is incredibly talented and generous! Early this week MM told me the package would be here Thursday and someone would have to sign for it.. The package(s) arrived yesterday early afternoon with your truly arriving around 3:45PM.

I walk in the door and see 2 large boxes and asked are those for me? The wife (Joy) says yes and said I didn't order anything there must be a mistake! Funny thing though box boxes had my name on the them! The 1st box I opened was the one wasn't expecting and noticed it was shipped from Lansing, Michigan and inside this box was a large Husqvarna chainsaw box and I wondered why this was sent to me as I have a Stihl 023!

On to the 2nd box which I discovered was much heavier than the one I sent to MM. Said to Joy MM must have sent an old saw for parts. This box was wrapped better than an Egyptian mummy! Finally managed to get this box open and under the flaps there was a new Husqvarna 20" bar and scabbard.. Told Joy this was a mistake I don't think this would fit on my saw! Got the bar untaped and opened the box and inside was my chainsaw and something wrapped in an old T-shirt so I pulled out my 023(5) and admired how nice it looked and set it aside.

On to the mystery object wrapped in the old T-shirt.. I pulled off the shirt and to my amazement sitting there is all its glory was (are you ready for this???) a brand spanking new Husqvarna 555AT chainsaw!!!! OMG I couldn't understand why this saw was here! I sent a group text to the Mods\Admins and they were like " check your PM's and you'll understand".. Gotta say my eyes fogged up as this is the stuff that dreams are made of!

After performing a few chores I finally went to FHC and found out that this saw was mine and how it was obtained and they went on to say some very nice things.. Honestly I still feel that most people would do the same or better when raising a family. These same people are held in high esteem in my eyes and i am sure by many of the fine members here.. They display generosity and help people all the time.

MM said and I quote "Men like you deserve to be recognized for constantly giving to those in need and being there to support others. There is not a single person on this forum who has not benefited from your presence here and I am positive that your influence does not stop outside of this bunch of nuts. ". MM and everyone else involved and a host of others make me proud to be a wood burner and associated with the FHC!

Swags said "Ray I would like to add that you are a very humble person and always put others needs first. A father that takes wonderful care and put the kids through college is awesome."

Pete said "Your not only a good father to your family but you are a good and sincere person and friend."

Gasifier said "Ray. I had nothing to do with making this happen. I just happened to see a saw for sale for a "GOOD" cause and needed a back up saw. So I bought a saw from Pete."

Dexter Day said "I am proud to be a part of this and think that you have earned this saw. Your actions and words are seen by all. It's time that someone did something for you.."

Put simply I am floored to know that people feel this way! Hearing these things from people I respect and admire is hard to even comprehend! This was one of the few times I was truly stumped for words!

I send a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the following people (and I am sure others may know something) MasterMech , Pallet Pete , swags, Gasifier , Stihl Livin ,
DexterDay !

So without further ado here are a few pics or this never happened

 

This is the longest post I have ever created! Sorry if it is long winded!

 

Gasman you are a big part of what makes FHC a great place and a funny guy!

 

Thanks SL! It's great you help others as you do and a credit to FHC! Do you burn pellets?

 

I will never feel I deserve this to be honest.. It is an honor I must admit Jon..

 

Offspring? I thought I sent that 023 home with a new attitude and a bodyguard.

 

Good Fellas! Great movie!

 

Well I just got word that some old coworkers house burned to the ground and they lost their 2 dogs in the fire.. I have just paid some of this forward.. We tend to sweat the small things when in fact we have it pretty good..

http://www.gofundme.com/J-amp-Jpawsforhope

 

The funny thing about giving is that it often inspires giving..

 

That's kinda how this whole deal came about.

 

MM unlike me I gave without hesitation.. You guys are inspirational at times